I am delighted to see that in the past couple of years, the Indie Beauty Industry has exploded! There are now hundreds of organic and natural brands offering us wonderful alternatives to toxic chemical laden concoctions. Thus, my favorite beauty event of the year is the Indie Beauty Expo (IBE), which features hundreds of small independent brands. Last year’s event, featuring over 250 beauty brands, was so big that I only made it through about half the show in the two-days. This year ,I am planning ahead and will aim to zip through a bit quicker, in order to bring more of these amazing products to you in future stories.

This year’s Indie Beauty Expo is August 22 and 23 at Pier 36. While the 23rd is a Trade Day, beauty lovers can attend with us press folks and buyers on the 22nd from 5 to 9pm. Get your tickets here. I promise it is worth it!

Here are some of the brands I am looking forward to checking out this year:

Camille Rose

I am so excited about this brand! I started transitioning my natural hair about a year ago. According to the glass on the YouTube natural hair videos, Camille Rose makes the best products for curly gals. I just bought their Curl Maker, so I am very excited to try our their other products.

Ethinque Beauty

Love Sun Body

I know how important it is protect our skin from the sun to prevent aging. Thus, I am looking forward to checking out this product, the first and only sunscreen in the U.S. certified by Ecocert Cosmos Natural, the international standard for organic and natural cosmetics and skincare products.

Clove And Hallow

While I am pretty good at using healthier skincare and hair products, the one area I could do better transitioning to clean beauty is with my cosmetics. There just aren’t enough clean make-up lines that make proper shades for women of color. So I am hopeful for this one. The Foundation 5 or 6 look perfect for me.

The Shady Sun

Though a black gal, I am so light skinned that I get shallow in the winter. Thus, I love to add a little glow to my skin with self-tanner. I have tried them all and have quite a few favorites. But to finally be able to use a totally vegan brand, without toxic chemicals, is going to be a real blessing.

Made by Yoke Ayurveda Apothecary Perfume Oils

Between our work lives demanding we work double time, family life and the hectic world political scene, we all need to indulge in aromatherapy to balance our souls. This brand features beautifully packaged perfume oils that heal our chakras.

Terra Beauty Bars

Shaffali Skincare

This brand is celebrating 10 years in business. I am so looking forward to meeting them to check their products out. Incorporating Aryuvedic and Aromatherapy techniques into their products ensures maximum healing inside and out. The Mango and Lavender Body Scrub looks scrumptious.

Black Chicken Remedies

I want to meet this brand just to see who came up with their unique moniker! No, Black Chicken Remedies is not chicken or even food based. This Aussie brand offers sixty-four 100% natural products with certified organic ingredients.

Founded by celebrity esthetician, Jillian Wright, and entrepreneur, Nader Naeymi-Rad, IBE was established to help the fast-growing category of indie brands connect to Buyers, Press, Consumers and Investors. Unsatisfied with the options available, Jillian and Nader formed IBE to provide a solution specific to market-ready indie brands.

IBE debuted in New York City in August of 2015 and has since expanded to four strategic markets in North America and Europe: New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and London. Today the IBE offers Buyers, Press, Investors and Shoppers an opportunity to discover and transact with the largest collection of independent beauty brands in the world.